HTC One X and One S will launch on every UK network

If you're hoping to get your hands on an HTC One series phone in the UK, it looks like you'll be spoiled for choice -- O2, Three, Vodafone, Orange and T-Mobile have all indicated that they'll carry the One X and One S. For the price-conscious, the HTC One V will also be available on O2 and Three. O2 and T-Mobile are listing an April launch date for the One series, while others simply say it's "coming soon."
The One X is HTC's flagship device for 2012, with a quad-core Tegra 3 CPU, a 4.7-inch 720p screen, Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich and a brand new version of HTC Sense. The One S takes a small step back from the bleeding edge of tech, with its Snapdragon S4 dual-core chip and a 4.3-inch qHD display. Across the entire HTC One range, the manufacturer's delivering Beats Audio support and some fancy new camera technology. In the U.S., AT&T will get an LTE-toting version of the One X with a Snapdragon S4 chip instead of Tegra 3, while T-Mobile USA will range the One S.
In the UK, though, it's a far cry from last year's situation, in which Vodafone had a one-month lead on other networks with the HTC Sensation. Given that all five networks will be vying for our attention with such a highly-anticipated series of phones, the result should be better deals for consumers. If you're considering picking up one of HTC's shiny new toys, shout out in the comments. And if you haven't already, check out our hands-on coverage of the One X, One S and One V from Mobile World Congress.

Ice Cream Sandwich adoption grows ever so slightly in February, Gingerbread up a bit, too

Google's just released the Android platform version statistics for the two weeks ending March 5. As a reminder, these are representative of the entire Android ecosystem and comprise devices that have accessed the Android Market within the last 14 days, so these would be "active" devices. Here's the breakdown:

• Ice Cream Sandwich (Android 4.x): Up a little more than half a percentage point to 1.6 percent. That encompasses Android 4.0 through Android 4.0.3.
• Honeycomb (Android 3.x): Dropped 0.1 percent to 3.3 percent total. That change should be due to the Motorola Xoom and ASUS Transformer and Transformer Prime getting their ICS updates.
• Gingerbread (Android 2.3): Saw some decent growth, actually, from 58.6 percent in February to 62 percent today.
• Froyo (Android 2.2): Falls a couple of percentage points to 25.3 percent.
• Eclair (Android 2.1): Fell a percentage point to 6.6 percent.
• Donut (Android 1.6) and Cupcake (Android 1.5): Combine for 1.2 percent of active devices. Who's still using these?

And here's a full look at last month's numbers. We'd imagine Ice Cream Sandwich percentage will start trending up now that we've got a new crop of phones on the way, but there's no denying that upgrades are taking entirely too long.

Acer launches Ultrabook-like Aspire V5 series

After trotting out some mobile fare at MWC, Acer hasn't pulled in the reigns on its new product horse, announcing its new V5 notebook this morning at CeBIT. Yes, notebook. At 30 percent slimmer than the class it replaces, these are still trim machines. The 11.6-inch model is only 15mm thick, which is way into Ultrabook territory, while the 14- and 15-inch models land at 21 and sub-23mm respectively. It's Intel on the inside, including Core i3 and Core i5 processors, with NVIDIA GeForce GT series on-board to handle graphics. Release is penciled in for Q2, and pricing is expected to range from €499 to €699 (about $650 to $920). If you're in the market for something a bit less expensive but you're into the V5's design, you might take notice of the Aspire One netbook, which is set to use the same chassis but will ship with Intel Pentium and Celeron processors instead, with pricing estimated between €399 and €449 (about $525 to $590).

We went hands-on with a dummy model of the V5 at CeBIT, though the prototype we saw today may not be the exact design you'll find in stores later this month. The 15.6-inch sample was very thin and relatively light, with a full-size chiclet keyboard and numberpad on the side. There's a USB 3.0 port on the left-hand side, along with two standard USB 2.0 ports, an HDMI connector and proprietary Ethernet port. There's also a pop-out optical drive on the right, though there's no SD slot in sight. Overall, it's a very nice design, but we'll need to wait for the company to demo functional versions before we can pass judgement on performance. As always, you'll find our video overview just past the break.Acer Introduces the Aspire V5 Series

New Ultra-slim notebook featuring all-round mobility with impressive performance, thermal comfort, and affordability


HANNOVER, GERMANY (March 6, 2012) - Acer presents the Aspire V5 Series at the CeBIT tradeshow in Hannover, Germany. This new range of thin and light notebooks suits budget-conscious users looking for impressive performance, thermal comfort, cool style, plus convenient mobile usability.

While the current trend is towards thinner and lighter notebooks with the capability for infotainment consumption and content creation anytime, anywhere, Acer knows how to meet the consumers' expectations. The V5 Series notebooks are all 30% slimmer than the same class so they're extremely easy to handle on the go. The 11.6-inch model is less than 15 mm thin while the 14-inch model includes an optical drive and is under 21 mm and 2.1 kg; the 15.6-inch model, also with an optical drive, is thinner than 23 mm, and weighs less than 2.3 kg.

The V5 Series features powerful Intel® Core™ family processors,* and renowned NVIDA® GeForce® GT Series graphics* for impressive daily multitasking, content creation and multimedia enjoyment.
A smart power management and component layout optimizes acoustics and thermal comfort without compromising performance. These notebooks can be used quietly and comfortably on the lap during computing and media playback. ENERGY STAR® certified, the V5 Series conserves power and is environment-friendly.

Easy to use on the go, the V5 Series features Acer Instant Connect, which automatically scans and registers most-visited access points, letting users connect to the Internet in just 2.5 seconds, which is four times faster than conventional methods.

The cool, fluid design has smooth surfaces that make this notebook comfortable to the touch. Full-size chiclet keyboard and large click-pad are well-placed and ergonomic for easy navigation and enhanced productivity. The new range of Aspire V5 is ultra-slim and modern with cool design, available in a selection of appealing colors.

Users can enjoy all-round mobility with LAN/VGA combo port to easily extend connectivity online and external display from one cable. Sharing files among other digital devices is also quick and easy via USB 3.0 ports.

Acer Aspire V3 notebook

Hot off the tails of the Aspire V5 is another new release from Acer. This time it's the Aspire V3 notebook, which comes in any one of three configurations, with 14, 15.6 and 17.3-inch screens in-tow. Each variation will be powered by an Intel Core i3, i5 and i7 processor, with NVIDIA GeForce GT series graphics throwing up the visuals. As with the V5, specs are difficult to come by at this point, though Acer has confirmed that the 17.3-inch model will include a 1600 x 900 pixel display. There's Blu-ray, HDMI, Bluetooth 4.0 and USB 3.0 on board, as well as support for SSD and hard drive combos (17.3-inch model only). Aesthetically, it'll launch in three colors (black, gold and gray) when it eventually debuts in Q2 of this year. Pricing starts at €400 (about $520) for the entry-level spec, rising to €900 (roughly $1180) at the top end.

Unlike the V5, we got to try out a fully-working model here at CeBIT. The V3 feels much larger and heftier when compared to its slimmer siblings, but the full-length speaker above the keyboard and generous LCD size tells you that Acer intended this model for a very different user. The finish may be plastic, but the gloss and matte combination looks nice enough. It feels relatively heavy in the hand, but it is carrying a reasonable amount of I/O baggage. Be sure to check out our video after the break for a more-detailed look.Acer Introduces the V3 Series

Brilliant all-around performance

HANNOVER, GERMANY (March 6, 2012) - Acerhas unveiled the V3 Series, a range of notebooks optimized for today's digital needs,available in 14-, 15.6- and 17.3-inch models.With excellent performance, entertainment enhancements, communication tools and a classy design, these notebooks are intended for tech-savvy users who want daily high-definition audio and visual experiences.

The latest generation Intel® Core™ family processors,* plus NVIDA® GeForce® GT Series graphics*ensure excellent performance for multitasking with lots of apps, music, Internet video, movies, games and more.

Specialized entertainment enhancements include the Acer CineCrystal™ HD+ 1600 x 900 LED-backlit display on the 17.3" screen and , Dolby® Home Theater® v4 and a Blu-ray Disc™ drive.* Users can even enjoy notebook entertainment on an HDTV viathe HDMI®-out port.

The V3 Series features Acer InviLink™Nplify™ Wi-Fi CERTIFIED™wireless connectivity and Gigabit Ethernet to keep users online, and the Acer Crystal Eye HD webcam guarantees high-resolution face-to-face communication.

Acer clear.fi 2.0 automatically connects all digital-home devices. This lets users manage, share and enjoy media from any device in any room at home.
Sharing files among other digital devices is also possible viaa multi-in-1 card slot, Bluetooth® 4.0 and USB 2.0/3.0 ports (with USB power-off charging).*

Design-wise, the cover has a glossy finish and its color matches the screen bezel and palm rest. The Acer chiclet keyboard is stylish, ergonomic and complemented by a multi-gesture touchpad for enhanced comfort and productivity. The V3 Series comes in Midnight Black, Dawn Gold, Nightfall Gray and Thunderbolt Silver.

Canon unveils PIXMA MX892 wireless all-in-one, prints from the cloud for $200

If you're in the market for a new wireless printer for that fancy new home office, Canon has a new model that may suit your needs. The PIXMA MX892 wireless all-in-one boasts copy, scan and fax features for those official docs that still have to be sent over the wire. Prints employ the ChromaLife, 5-ink system for high quality images at a resolution of 9,600 x 2,400 dpi. The printer also features a 3-inch LCD screen for last-minute adjustments and will have your 4 x 6 inch borderless Yellowstone photos printed in around 20 seconds each. Built-in effects, such as toy camera and fish-eye, offer quick photo customization in the event of an extreme time crunch. Through software like Google Cloud Print and PIXMA Cloud Link, you can send those documents or photos to the MX892 directly from online albums and your mobile device -- should you be on the move. No word on a shipping date as of yet, but the unit will set you back $199.99 when it hits shelves. Check out all the details in the PR below, should you be in need of a few more.

Canon raises the curtains on the EOS 5D Mark III full frame DSLR

After Nikon recently announced the D4, we knew it was just a matter of time before Canon addressed this by responding to the competition. On the 25th anniversary of its world-renowned EOS System, Canon have announced their latest model, the new EOS 5D Mark III Digital SLR Camera. Positioned between the extremely popular EOS 5D Mark II and Canon's top-of-the-line professional EOS-1D X model, the brand claims that the EOS 5D Mark III delivers superb image quality, due to a new 22.3-megapixel full-frame Canon CMOS sensor, a high-performance DIGIC 5+ Imaging Processor, a 61-point High Density Reticular Autofocus (AF) System and six frames-per-second (fps) continuous shooting speed. 

Finally announced!

The EOS 5D Mark III incorporates enhanced video features for professionals in the fields of cinematography, television production and documentary filmmaking, including improved noise reduction, longer recording times and a built-in headphone jack for audio monitoring. The EOS 5D Mark III is Canon's answer to hundreds of thousands of advanced amateurs and emerging professionals looking for a compact, high-quality camera system to help them achieve their artistic vision, whether it be through still or video imagery.

Speaking at the announcement, Yuichi Ishizuka, Executive Vice President and General Manager, Imaging Technologies and Communications Group, Canon U.S.A. said, “We are extremely excited to announce the highly anticipated follow-up to our EOS 5D Mark II, a camera which has been called a 'game-changer' in most professional photography and videography circles. The EOS 5D Mark III will carry on that tradition, delivering better and more advanced features, helping our customers achieve excellent image quality for stills and video.”

Canon claims, “Special optical technologies like the 61-Point High Density Reticular AF and an extended ISO range of 100-25600 (expandable to 50 (L), 51200 (H1) and 102400 (H2) make the EOS 5D Mark III ideal for shooting weddings in the studio or out in the field, and great for still photography. Advanced professional-level high definition video capabilities (that includes a host of industry-standard recording protocols and enhanced performance) make it possible to capture beautiful cinematic movies in EOS HD quality. A newly designed 22.3 Megapixel full-frame Canon CMOS sensor, Canon DIGIC 5+ Image Processor, and shooting performance up to 6.0 fps provide exceptional clarity and sharpness, even when capturing rapidly-unfolding scenes. Additional technological advancements include an Intelligent Viewfinder, Canon's advanced iFCL metering system, High Dynamic Range (HDR), and Multiple Exposure mode — all of which that help make the EOS 5D Mark III the perfect multimedia tool.”

Here is a look at the specifications of the Canon EOS 5D Mark III:

• Type: Digital, AF/AE single-lens reflex, camera
• Recording Media: CF Cards (Type I); Compatible with UDMA CF cards; SD, SDHC, and SDXC
• Image Format: Approx. 36 mm x 24mm (35mm Full-frame)
• Compatible lenses: Canon EF Lenses (excluding EF-S Lenses)
• Lens Mount: Canon EF mount
• High-sensitivity, high-resolution, large single-plate CMOS sensor
• Effective pixels: Approx. 22.3 megapixels
• Total pixels: 23.4 megapixels
• Aspect ratio: 3:2 (Horizontal: Vertical)
• Colour Filter System: RGB primary color filters
• Image format: JPEG, RAW (14-bit Canon Original), M-RAW, S-RAW, RAW+JPEG, M-RAW+JPEG, S-RAW+JPEG
• Video format: MOV (Image data: H.264/MPEG-4 AVC; Audio: Linear PCM)
• Large file size: Approx. 22.10 Megapixels (5760 x 3840)
• RAW + JPEG Simultaneous Recording
• Viewfinder: Eye-level pentaprism
• Autofocus: TTL secondary image - registration, phase detection

The Canon EOS 5D Mark III Digital SLR camera is expected to be available at the end of March 2012 and will be sold in a body-only configuration at an estimated retail price of $3,499.00 (approximately Rs.1,73,407). The EOS 5D Mark III will also be available with the EF24-105mm f/4L IS USM zoom lens in a kit for an estimated retail price of $4,299.00 (approximately Rs.2,13,055).

Nokia Asha 300 Review

Nokia launched their Asha range of feature phones, back in December 2011 and today we have with us, the Asha 300, the candy-bar feature phone, which was touted as one of the first phones to have Angry Birds pre-installed. Let’s find out if this Series 40 phone is any good.

The Nokia Asha 300

Design and Build Quality
As is the case with most Nokias, the Asha 300 brings with it superb build quality and great attention to detail. The candy bar phone rests neatly in your palm and isn’t too heavy as well at just 85g. The phone is mostly built of plastic, but thankfully, there aren’t too many glossy bits, other than the screen and the chrome strip at the front. The volume rocker and the lock screen button are placed on the side. You remove the back cover with the help of the groove on the side. This process feels a little delicate and if you’re not careful, then there are good chances of the bottom retention clips breaking off.

A good looker

This is a touch-and-type phone, so there’s no directional pad - just the keypad and the call answer and end keys, along with a shortcut to e-mail. The keypad is built well and the buttons offer good feedback. Having been accustomed to QWERTY keypads, going back to this conventional style was a bit odd, but those who are used to them should not have a problem. The rest of the connectors like the 3.5mm headphone jack, charging port and microUSB port are placed on the top. The Asha 300 also supports 3G, but there’s no front facing camera for video chat. In the box, you get a 2GB microSD card, charger, user manual, data cable and headset. Overall, a pretty good feature set in a very nice form factor.

Features
Interface
Despite the Asha 300 running on the Series 40 Operating System, it still comes with a 1GHz CPU. The interface is fast, but it doesn’t feel snappy and that’s probably the way the OS is designed. The homescreen is similar to the C2-03, which we reviewed a while back with similarly styled icons. You even get your Facebook and Twitter updates through a widget. There’s only a single homescreen, though, so Nokia have crammed in as much as they possibly could.

A similar looking interface

The resistive touchscreen is not the best and on several occasions, while trying to scroll through a menu, you’ll accidentally activate an app, which is quite annoying. If you’re careful, though, then the screen responds well, but you need to have some patience. The ‘Go to’ shortcut button lets you jump to applications, like the browser, game, camera, radio, etc. The resolution of the screen is not too much of a problem, as are the viewing angles, which are quite poor. 

Media 
The music player supports the standard fare of formats. The loud speaker is actually quite powerful and music sounds quite good, so you can play it out loud when among friends. The player will automatically pick up any album art, if present and display it. The player also comes with a bunch of equalizer presets and the ability to create a custom setting from a 5-band graphic equalizer.

Music player is not too shabby

The video player only supports MP4 and that too, only SD videos, so if you have anything else, you’ll have to convert it. Despite this, however, we managed to get our SD AVI test file playing just fine. Video playback is a bit of a hit or miss. If you’re lucky, then the files will play out of the box, else they may play, but without any audio. During playback, we did notice some amount of banding in the picture, possibly due to the type of screen used. Connectivity
The Asha 300 is a quad-band GSM phone as well as 3G with HSDPA speeds maxing out at 10.2Mbps and HSUPA speeds at 2Mbps. Unfortunately, there’s no Wi-Fi present, which is one of the biggest downers of this phone.

Facebook is present

To make up for this, you do get USB On-the-go support, for what that’s worth. The onboard memory is just 140 MB, so you can’t really do much with it, but you do get a 2GB memory card to help you out. Provision for Facebook and Twitter is present, so you can get your social media fix through this phone. Chat applications, like Nimbuzz can be downloaded from the Ovi Store. There isn’t much variety in terms of apps, but we’ll take what we can get. 

Misc. Applications 
The Asha 300 comes pre-installed with Angry Birds, which isn’t very forgiving on a resistive screen. The game isn’t particularly smooth, despite it having a 1GHz CPU. We feel the problem is the less RAM as 128 MB just isn’t enough for such rich multimedia apps. Other games bundled include Brain Challenge, Climate Mission, Diamond Twistr as well as some utilities like Life Tools, Communities, Converter, Money, etc. 

Some Internet apps

Camera
The camera maybe a 5MP shooter, but the quality of the sensor is quite appalling. It’s bad enough that it’s a fixed focus camera; the sensor isn’t able to pick up any detail or colours accurately. The picture appears fine on the viewfinder, but the final captured image is quite bad.

Really bad sensor

The video recorder can capture videos upto 640 x 480 resolutions, but as you may have guessed, the quality and frame rate isn’t the best. 

Battery Life 
The Asha 300 is fitted with an 1110mAh Li-ion battery, which lasted for about 5hrs in our video drain test, so not the best, but not bad, either. Charging the phone to its full capacity does take quite a while. Our loop tests gave us a slightly better result, since there wasn’t Wi-Fi streaming involved. Here we got 1.5hrs of call time, 2hrs of video and 3hrs of music. 

Verdict 
The Nokia Asha is available for a street price of Rs.7,000; although you can find it for a bit cheaper, if you look online. This is just a ridiculously high price for this phone, all the more, when you can get some very good Android handsets at this price range. The Samsung Galaxy Y, Spice Mi-350n and even the Samsung Wave Y (which is based on Bada 2.0) are all much better alternatives to the Asha 300. Honestly, when the phone first came to our labs, we thought it was under Rs.5,000, since it looks like that sort of handset. Rs.3,000 would be the ideal price for this phone. It may have a 1GHz CPU, but the fact is that power is never fully harnessed and how can you, when you’re using an old Operating System. We guess, even if it was running a 600MHz CPU, you would hardly tell the difference.

The Asha 300 is put together very well and we applaud Nokia for their craftsmanship. 3G support is also a bonus, but besides that there really isn’t anything going for this phone that would make you shell out seven large ones. Like we said, if it drops to 3K, then pick it up without thinking twice